If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of slipping on an unsecured area rug, then you know just how vital proper padding and grip are for rugs and carpets. Whether you choose to invest in non-slip rug pads, rug grippers, tape, or another type of safety and comfort mechanism, the key is to find a product that works for both your rug and the floor beneath it.
Thankfully, there are a number of different items on the market made of different materials and at multiple price-points. That’s right! Double-sided tape isn’t your only option!
Which non-slip rug pad or other product is for you? Let’s break down your options.
1. Area Rug Pads
Area rug pads are, hands down, the most effective way to keep your area rug slip-free, secure, and also add some thickness and comfort to the carpet experience.
Area rug pads are placed directly in the space between an area rug and the floor beneath it. While there are many products on the market designed for this purpose, each flooring type requires a different type of area rug pad. And before you ask: most area rug pads don’t harm your floor or your rug, so you don’t have to worry!
You may be wondering, “Do I need a rug pad on hardwood floors?” The answer is yes! Absolutely! Hardwood floors usually have a layer of sealant or wax that is meant to protect the wood. But the minute a slippery area rug is placed on top of that hardwood, the carpet can easily shift. Likewise, area rugs on top of concrete floors also move freely-- and no one wants to fall on concrete!
There are two types of non-slip rug pads to consider purchasing if you have hardwood, concrete, vinyl, or even natural stone floors.
- A Natural Rubber and Felt Rug Pad
This combination feels like heaven underfoot! The natural rubber is the ultimate material to secure your carpet to the hard floor underneath. Combine the stickiness-free adhesiveness of the rubber with the flush feeling of felt, and you have a rug pad you’ll keep for decades. These area rug pads tend to range from average to expensive, but most homeowners find it’s well worth the investment.
- Vinyl Rug Pads For Hardwood and Concrete Floors
Vinyl rug pads for hardwood and concrete floors are just as effective in keeping the area rug in place as natural rubber and felt rug pads, but they aren’t as thick. If you’re not looking for a plush feel and/or you’re on a tight budget, vinyl rug pads are the way to go.
Even with an area rug pad, the corners of the area rug may fold upwards. To keep them down where they belong, use a corner rug brace. You can find these at many home improvement stores and online shops such as Amazon.
In most cases, an area rug situated on top of a carpeted floor doesn’t require an entire area rug pad. We’ll touch on this scenario in this next section.
2. Rug Grippers
Rug grippers refer to products that adhere and secure the area rug directly to the floor beneath it. Keep in mind that rug grippers are more likely to leave a sticky film on the underside of your area rug and/or the floor. It’s not advisable to secure a rug gripper directly to the bottom of an area rug that doesn’t have a rug backing material, especially if you plan to move the rug anytime soon.
That being said, if you don’t necessarily need to add a plush cushion or don’t have the money to invest in an entire rug pad, rug grippers are a solid choice.
Rug gripper tape is often designed with a reusable adhesive that you can adjust as needed. Simply sick the tape on the corners of the rug and along the outer edges (if necessary) and then press down to adhere the area rug to the ground. Rug gripper tape works for almost every type of flooring.
When placing an area rug over a carpeted floor, you naturally have the “comfort” aspect down. However, carpet over carpet easily moves and is a major hazard, especially if you have young children or elderly adults living in or visiting your home. To be on the safe side, use rug gripper for carpet. Many rug grippers for carpet, often referred to by the brand name Ruggies, are made of special materials such as gel or rubber to create a more secure connection to the bottom carpet.
3. One Final DIY Suggestion
A rug pad can run you anywhere from $30 up to $100 or more depending on the material and size needed. On the other hand, rug gripper tape is a mere $10-$25 investment.
If you’re really looking to save money but still need to ensure your area rug is comfortable and secure, try this DIY hack. Go out and purchase a roll of rubber drawer liners and cut to size. Keep in mind, you may need to add two or more lengths side-by-side to cover the entire area under the rug. You’re likely to save upwards of $50+ using drawer liners.
Regardless of how you choose to secure your area rug, it’s important to do it sooner rather than later. Your tootsies will thank you for it!
